Deputy Head of Design

Deputy Head of Design

Lincolnshire Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design efforts for aircraft, ensuring compliance and excellence in engineering processes.
  • Company: Join a leading defence prime committed to innovation and talent development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and a sense of purpose.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of aerospace technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in aircraft engineering and knowledge of airworthiness regulations are essential.
  • Other info: Opportunity to manage multi-disciplined teams and influence design excellence.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Our client, a leading defence prime, is looking to recruit a deputy head of design (aircraft) for their secure site in Broughton, Chester. As an employer, they are dedicated to fuelling innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering a culture of excellence. They provide a collaborative environment, abundant opportunities for professional development, and a profound sense of purpose in what they do.

As their Space business continues to grow, they offer considerable expertise in Space Situational Awareness (SSA), Space Domain Awareness (SDA), and Space Surveillance & Tracking (SST), Policy, Risk Management, Orbital Analytics, and Operations. This mission area supports the collation of intelligence from the ground and above, from optical cameras to radars, giving the customer a fully integrated intelligence picture.

The role involves deputising for the Head of Design (Aircraft) under CAA & MAA Design Approvals, with the following requirements and responsibilities:

  • An aircraft engineering industry background is required, with adequate breadth and depth of knowledge of complex electronic systems, mechanical/structures, cabin interiors, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and control.
  • Extensive knowledge of initial/type airworthiness regulations and senior level experience working in an organisation with civil (CAA 21J/BCAR A8-21) or military aircraft design approvals (DAOS).
  • A proven track record in managing large, multi-disciplined engineering teams through a significant portion of the engineering lifecycle (requirements capture, functional analysis, design, integration, trials, acceptance, in service support).
  • Previous compliance verification engineer and/or office of airworthiness experience along with experience of working within or with aircraft maintenance, production, continuing airworthiness organisations, and safety management systems is highly desirable but not essential.
  • Professional development of aircraft design engineers, including support to appraisals and goal flow-down.
  • Adherence to, and development of, best practice design process and tools.
  • Aircraft design excellence based on a strong process culture and skills development.
  • Interface with other members of the Engineering and Quality Management Team to establish Engineering as a highly professional and respected part of the business.

Specific duties include:

  • Maintaining a documented design management system.
  • Technical definition of aircraft type certificate changes and repairs.
  • Ensuring design work is undertaken in accordance with the design management system, design approvals, and other relevant regulations.
  • Ensuring that compliance is demonstrated and verified against the appropriate type certification basis, the applicable operational suitability data certification basis, and the environmental protection requirements.
  • Supporting an engaged safety culture through safety management system adoption, investigating audit and occurrence findings, and managing design organisation risks.
  • Signing a declaration of compliance for type certificate changes or repairs after satisfactory verification of compliance and confirmation of adherence with design procedures.
  • Management and approval of design subcontractors.
  • Supervising the Coordinating Design Organisation role for air systems, including interface with the aircraft, engine, and propeller Type Certificate Holders, and for other applied third-party design changes.
  • Approving the flight conditions and permit to fly on behalf of design for CAA 21.

Deputy Head of Design employer: Synergize Consulting

As a leading defence prime, our client in Broughton, Chester, stands out as an exceptional employer by fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment, ample opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects in the aerospace sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on best practices in design processes, this role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a respected engineering team dedicated to advancing aircraft design and safety.
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Contact Detail:

Synergize Consulting Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Design

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the aircraft engineering industry, especially those who have experience with CAA and MAA design approvals. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in aircraft design and safety management systems. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation and excellence during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience managing multi-disciplined engineering teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led projects through the engineering lifecycle, highlighting your leadership style and problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company's recent projects and initiatives in Space Situational Awareness and other areas mentioned in the job description. Being knowledgeable about their work will help you articulate how your skills align with their goals and values.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Design

Aerospace Engineering
Aircraft Design and Development
Knowledge of CAA & MAA Regulations
Project Management
Team Leadership
Compliance Verification
Risk Management
Technical Documentation Management
Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordination
Airworthiness Regulations
Safety Management Systems
Design Process Improvement
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Head of Design position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, especially in aircraft engineering and design approvals.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in managing engineering teams, knowledge of airworthiness regulations, and any specific projects that align with the role's requirements. Use keywords from the job description to make your application stand out.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for the aerospace industry and your understanding of the company's mission. Mention how your background aligns with their focus on innovation and excellence.

Highlight Professional Development Experience: Emphasise any experience you have in mentoring or developing engineering talent. Discuss how you have contributed to a culture of continuous improvement and adherence to best practices in design processes.

How to prepare for a job interview at Synergize Consulting

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Make sure to highlight your background in aircraft engineering and your knowledge of complex electronic systems, aerodynamics, and airworthiness regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your technical skills and understanding of the engineering lifecycle.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience

As a Deputy Head of Design, you'll need to manage large, multi-disciplined teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams through various stages of engineering projects, focusing on your ability to foster collaboration and drive results.

✨Understand the Company Culture

Research the company's commitment to innovation and professional development. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their culture of excellence and support the growth of other design engineers within the organisation.

✨Prepare for Compliance Discussions

Since compliance with CAA & MAA Design Approvals is crucial, brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles. This will show your understanding of the importance of adherence to design management systems and safety cultures.

Deputy Head of Design
Synergize Consulting
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  • Deputy Head of Design

    Lincolnshire
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-05-10

  • S

    Synergize Consulting

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